Empowering People in the Community

Empowering People in the Community (E.P.C.) is one of the many programs offered that advocates for elderly people who struggle with mental or physical disabilities. The agency provides services that contribute to the psychological well-being of their participants. Their “values are integrity in all they do; honoring the strengths of people and community; holism including emotional, spiritual, physical, intellectual, environmental and cultural; and respect for all people.” The agency’s mandate is to encourage and empower the elderly who struggle with mental and/or physical disabilities to live the “best quality of life possible.”  

Some older participants came to the agency when they were young adults. Care providers willing to provide a home for adults with disabilities are responsible for supporting and empowering them by providing them with information and assisting them to make decisions based on their preferences, and values. “A person with a disability should no longer be viewed as someone who cannot function because of impairment but rather as someone who needs an accommodation in order to function.” (Bleeker, 2001, p.1) Care-providers are called to be client centered, provide a safe environment, design enjoyable mealtimes, and be a positive role model.

Elder participants are encouraged to join in recreational activities, socialize, have fun, and develop meaningful relationships. Rowe and Kahns (1998) “…component of successful aging is active engagement with life - was defined as having two dimensions: relating and being connected with others through social relationships and continuing productive activities.” At the Empowering People in the Community lounge there are activities every day where the elder are encouraged to drop in and participate. Some of them are brought by support workers. Usually there is a very good turnout. Music therapy is one night a week where the participants listen to music and enthusiastically take turns singing karaoke. The group goes bowling, swimming, and the movies. They get together once a month to learn a different culture and eat ethnic foods. In the summer they go to Folklarama and in the winter there is The Festival du Voyageur. They also have dances periodically. “Conceptualization of successful aging suggests that: "maintaining close relationships with others, and remaining involved in activities that are meaningful and purposeful, are important for well-being throughout the life course" (Rowe and Kahn's (1998), pg.46)

 Joe has been with the agency since he was in his late thirties. Over sixty now, he is living with his care provider in the community. He had brain damage when he was born and by the time he was four suffered from a life threatening illness which left him with a physical disability. When he first came to Empowerment in the Community he was in an abusive relationship and his family took advantage of him. He was vulnerable and not able to take care of himself. His hygiene was so bad that he developed sores all over his body. Grossly overweight, he wore clothes that were shabby and not suitable for the season. “The prevalence of both obesity and disability is increasing globally and there is now growing evidence to suggest that these two health priorities may be linked.”   (Ells, Lang, Shield, Wilkinson, Lidstone, Coulton, and Summerbell. (2006), pg.341)

He was fortunate enough to get a care provider that really cares and treats him like family. He lives in a neighborhood that is quiet and safe. Every day he takes the bus to work at a grocery store. With the support of his care provider he lost over one hundred and eighty pounds, has a savings account, goes on trips once a year, bought some electronic equipment, and now has a nice wardrobe. He loves to read inspirational books, go to dances, and regularly works out at the gym. He is a friendly man who likes to socialize and is secure, enthusiastic and happy. 

 

 Older people with disabilities do not have all three criteria mentioned by Rowe and Kahn, “It is a combination of all three – avoidance of disease and disability, maintenance of cognitive and physical function and sustained engagement with life that represents the concept of aging more fully.” (Rowe & Kahn, 1998, pg. 39) Joe does not have all three criteria. In a perfect world this would be ideal and who would not want such a life? But we do not live in a perfect world.

 There are many other theories and lens that we could look through. “Characteristics of successful aging closely related to the maintenance of high physical and cognitive functions also are problematic, particularly when used in relation to people who entre old age with significant and often lifelong disabilities.” (Miler & Fadem, pg.232)  My question is whose lens do we choose to look through to define success? According to Chappell, McDonald, & Stones, “Researchers are people, and just like everyone else, they carry deeply held and often, unconscious assumptions about the world and how it operates - a paradigm. Their paradigms influence their choice of theory, and this is to be expected. However their paradigms and all their assumptions may be hidden from them, then they go about their research not realizing (or caring, perhaps) that they are viewing facts through a lens that is consistent with the way they think things should be, rather than the way they actually are.”(pg.59) 

 People with disabilities, as we all do, need an environment where they can thrive because they are accepted and appreciated for who they are without being ashamed or having to live up to other people’s expectations. They deserve a fulfilling life in whatever form this is for them. All too often we define success by someone else’s perceptions. In the final analysis how people choose to accept and perceive success in their life is what really counts. What do you think?

Ells, L. J., Lang, R., Shield, J. P. H., Wilkinson, J. R., Lidstone, J. S. M., Coulton, S. and Summerbell, C. D. (2006), Obesity and disability – a short review. Obesity Reviews, 7: 341–345. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2006.00233.x

Holstein, M., & Minkler, M., (2003) Self, society, and the "new gerontology”, the   Top of Form

Gerontologist   43(6): 787-79

Minkler, M., & Fadem, P. (2002). Successful aging: A disability perspective. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 12(4), 229-235

NS430 Davies N (2008) Caring for older adults with learning disabilities. Nursing  Statidard. 22, 24, 42-48. Date of acceptance: October 24 2007. Walker C, Walker A (1998)

Rowe, J. W., & Kahn, R. L. (1998). Successful aging. New York: Pantheon